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US-131 Flex Route - Kent County
MDOT is building a flex route on US-131 from I-96 to Post Drive in Kent County. A flex route uses a lane control system that includes signs, vehicle detectors and electronic message boards to let drivers know when the flex route shoulder, or flex lane, is available for use during peak travel periods.
Learn more about the US-131 Flex Route - Kent County project.
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The flex lane will use the existing inside freeway shoulders of US-131. During operation, only passenger vehicles will be allowed to use the shoulder, as shoulders are not intended for sustained use by heavier vehicles, such as trucks.
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Signs with two yellow lights will be placed along the corridor between I-96 and Post Drive. Flashing yellow lights indicate when the flex lanes are open. When the lights are off, the flex lane is closed and considered the road shoulder, per normal operations.
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Flex routes use the existing infrastructure to address congestion issues that are not a 24/7 problem (congestion in one direction in the morning, then the other direction in the evening). Flex routes cost a fraction of what it would otherwise cost to build entirely new lanes and shoulders, along with widening bridges/overpasses and purchasing any land required to make room for all that.
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No. The speed limit in the flex lane is set for the same speed as the general purpose lanes.
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Yes. The West Michigan Traffic Operations Center has the ability to revise the timing of the flex lane schedule to accommodate traffic volume changes over time, for special events, and during traffic incidents or other emergencies.
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The intent of the flex lane is to provide additional mobility during higher traffic demand periods. The posted speed limit must still be followed by drivers whether the flex lane is open or not.
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In addition to the installation of signs, vehicle detectors and electronic message boards, the project includes bridge improvements on US-131 at West River Drive, and southbound US-131 over 6 Mile Road. Culvert replacements will be included as part of the project to improve system resiliency. At the I-96 interchange, northbound US-131 will include a transition lane to tie into the flex lane. Emergency pull-offs are also included in this project to allow for incident management responses.